Qa-14, 17 February 2018, Statement Of The Spokesperson Of The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hami Aksoy, In Response To A Question Regarding The Developments Related To The Events Of 1915 In The Dutch House Of Representatives Which Have Also Been Covered By The Press

Republic Of Turkey Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 17.02.2018

We understand that some Dutch politicians have an agenda of presenting
motions supporting Armenian allegations to the Dutch House of
Representatives in the upcoming weeks.

Turkey’s approach vis-a-vis the events of 1915 is based upon historical
facts and legal norms. Established ruling cases in the European law
registered the fact that the events of 1915 constitute a legitimate subject
of debate.

This being the case, the attempts to take the events of 1915, which is a
sensitive matter for Turkey and the Turkish nation, out of its historical
and legal context to politicise the issue cannot be accepted.

In this context, we invite Dutch politicians to review their prejudiced
stance towards Turkey and avoid politicising history.

If the Netherlands wishes to contribute to the solution of this historical
issue, they could support the proposal we have been suggesting persistently
since 2005 as to form an independent Joint Historical Commission open to
scholars of Ottoman History.

Our views and expectations on this issue, which will also be an indication
whether the Netherlands has the will to normalise its relations with
Turkey, have been conveyed to the Chargé D'affaires of the Embassy of the
Kingdom of Netherlands who was summoned to the Ministry.